The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP) provides funding and technical assistance to prevent, detect, eradicate and control terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
Donor Name: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
State: Michigan
County: All States
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 11/01/2023
Size of the Grant: $25,000 and $400,000
Grant Duration: 3 years
Details:
The Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP) is a competitive state grant program started in 2014 and available each year that the state legislature appropriates funding. Over $32 million in invasive species grant funds have been awarded. Up to $3.6 million in state general fund dollars will be available for the 2023 grant cycle.
Administration of the MISGP is handled through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in collaboration with the Departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).
MISGP metrics include:
- Statewide coverage of Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs).
- Response to early detections of invasive species.
- Education and outreach to Michigan citizens.
- Increased management and control of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species.
Goals
This program is designed to address strategic issues of prevention, detection, eradication and control for both terrestrial invasive species (TIS) and aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Michigan. The main goals of the MISGP are to:
- Prevent new invasive species introductions. Prevention is the most effective step in managing invasive species. Prevention involves both keeping unwanted organisms out of Michigan and stopping the spread of newly introduced species. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program targets pathways that can bring invasive species into the state and those which can move them from place to place.
- Strengthen the statewide invasive species early detection and response network. Successful early detection and response to new infestations requires a widespread monitoring effort, rapid communication and well-prepared personnel to respond. A statewide approach involves coordinated efforts amongst agencies, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas, industry professionals, researchers and citizens to detect, report, verify and treat emerging invasive species issues.
- Limit the dispersal of recently confirmed invasive species. People who work or play in areas where invasive species are already established can unknowingly aid in their spread to new areas. Arming these audiences with information to identify the invaders they encounter and to take steps to avoid carrying “hitchhikers” to new locations will have important long-term effects in reducing invasive species populations.
- Manage and control widespread, established invasive species. Established or widespread infestations can change the make-up of whole ecosystems. The negative effects on native plant and animal populations include displacement, diminishing food and habitat and species reduction. The recreational value of lakes, dunes and forests is degraded by the presence of invasive species. Invasive species are also taking a toll on Michigan’s fisheries, agriculture and timber industries. Both large-scale management efforts and innovative treatment methods are needed to manage invasive species populations in the state.
Funding Information
The minimum grant request amount is $25,000 and the maximum grant request amount is $400,000.
Grant Period
Project duration for Priority Projects may be from one to three years, with work commencing within the first 60 days of grant execution.
Project Criteria
- Area – Projects must be conducted on Michigan land or water.
- Scope – Projects that focus on:
- Routine management of one water body or site, and/or
- Use of common treatment methods for widespread invasive species,
- typically are not competitive, unless the proposal is clearly transferrable, scalable, or relevant to a larger region or the state. Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss the proposed projects with the appropriate technical contact before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
- Local, state, federal or tribal units of government
- Non-profit organizations
- Universities
For more information, visit MDNR.
